Source:  Hardesty, Henry H.  Hardesty's Historical and Geographical
Encyclopedia.  New York: H.H. Hardesty and Company, 1884.
Rpt. in West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia.  Ed. Jim Comstock.
Richwood: Comstock, 1974.

SAMUEL CHRISTOPHER BEARD, M. D. - born near Lewisburg, Greenbrier
County, October 3, 1831, at Blue Sulphur Spring, this county, December
12, 1855, was united in marriage with Martha Estaline HAMILTON, and
the children born to them were seven:  Walter C., May 27, 1859;
Lillian H., June 11, 1861;  Delia Miriam, January 11, 1864;
Margaret E., November 25, 1866;  Phil J. A., April28, 1869;
Samuel C., April 6, 1872;  Emma W. C., December 23, 1876;
Delia M., died October 1875;  Margaret E., died September 20, 1878;
Walter C. is a practicing physician and makes his home in Alderson,
this county, and the others are with their parents.  Christopher BEARD,
born near Lewisburg, April 1, 1798, died August 2, 1840, was the father
of Dr. BEARD.  His mother, whose maiden name was Miriam McNEAL, was born
in Pocahontas County, December 7, 1834. [This could be a typo.]  Her mother
was born at that place, in 1810, and is now deceased, and her father,
now deceased, was born on Muddy Creek, this county, in 1795.  The BEARDS
were among the pioneers of this county, noted for their industry, integrity,
and interest in public advancement.  They were bone and sinew of
Presbyterianism in this community, and are recorded among the first
elders of the faith in this county.  Dr. BEARD lives on the old homestead,
three miles northeast of Lewisburg, the farm containing 1,200 acres of
valuable land.  He receives his mail at Lewisburg, Greenbrier County,
West Virginia.

Submitted by Valerie Crook
Email: vfcrook @trellis.net, 1999.